Historic Elk Lake Guard Station lies along the beautiful and popular Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway. It was originally built in 1929, and was afterward in regular use for almost seven decades. In the late 1990s, after the log cabin was “de-commissioned” as a full-time Forest Service guard station, it was in dire need of maintenance and repair. From 1998-2001, the Forest Service and Passport In Time volunteers worked to restore the landmark. In 2001, the guard station, eventually listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), re-opened its doors as a Forest Service visitor’s center and interpreted historic site. Since that time, PIT volunteers have been recruited and trained to staff Elk Lake Guard Station, and serve as professional-caliber information/interpretation specialists for the site’s thousands of annual visitors.

Continuing that tradition, we need your help as uniformed Forest Service representatives again this year. Volunteers will keep the station clean and tidy, and will provide a full range of information and interpretive services to visitors.

Number of openings:6 (1 individual or couple per session)

Special skills:Must be able to perform required duties with minimal supervision after orientation, communicate effectively with diverse audiences, and present a consistently friendly and helpful attitude; Forest Service uniform will be worn during working hours and will be provided by project; knowledge of Forest Service history and Deschutes National Forest recreation geography and policies is helpful, but not required

Minimum age:18 years old

Facilities:Elk Lake Guard Station available as sleeping quarters (use strictly controlled, and Station must be tidy and presentable each day); hot and cold running water, shower, flush toilet, refrigerator, microwave oven (otherwise no cooking facilities); camping/RVs not permitted at guard station overnight; tent and RV camping available at Snow Creek Guard Station (~ 10 miles); water, pit toilet, full hookups; Sunriver and Bend are full-service communities with hotels/motels, restaurants, and a full range of other amenities; volunteers responsible for personal bedding/camping equipment, food, cook stove (if staying at guard station – no charcoal grills/campfires allowed), and daily transportation